Who is responsible for removing Cicis's signs after the lease expires or terminates?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease, Tenant may remove all of Tenant's Signs at its cost and Tenant must repair any damage caused by its removal thereof.
Franchisor, its personnel or agents, for a period of up to thirty (30) days after the expiration or sooner termination of the Lease or the Franchise Agreement, may enter the Premises for itself or on behalf of Franchisee to de-identify the Premises as a Restaurant, which may include the removal of signs, decor and materials displaying any marks, designs or logos owned by Franchisor or its affiliates. This right includes the right to remove exterior signs and awnings from the Premises and any Shopping Center pylon or monument sign, interior signs, decor items, and materials displaying any marks, designs, or logos owned by Franchisor and all other items identifying the Premises as a Cicis Restaurant. In addition, Franchisor may make such other modifications (such as repainting) as are reasonably necessary to protect the Cicis system signs, marks, and intellectual property rights.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, both the franchisee and Cicis itself have responsibilities regarding sign removal after the lease expires or terminates. The franchisee, referred to as 'Tenant' in the lease agreement, is responsible for removing their own signs ('Tenant's Signs') at their own cost and must repair any damage caused by the removal. These signs must adhere to the color, size, and specifications outlined in the lease's Signage Criteria.
Additionally, Cicis has the right to enter the premises for up to 30 days after the lease or franchise agreement terminates to de-identify the location as a Cicis restaurant. This includes removing signs, decor, and materials that display Cicis's trademarks, designs, or logos. Cicis can remove exterior signs, awnings, signs on shopping center pylons or monuments, interior signs, decor, and any other items identifying the premises as a Cicis restaurant.
Furthermore, Cicis is allowed to make other modifications, such as repainting, to protect its system signs, marks, and intellectual property rights. This ensures that the location no longer represents the Cicis brand after the franchise agreement ends. This dual responsibility ensures a clean separation and protects Cicis's brand identity while requiring the franchisee to handle their own signage.
In summary, the franchisee is responsible for removing their specific 'Tenant's Signs' and repairing any related damage, while Cicis has the right to remove all branding and identifying marks associated with the Cicis system to de-identify the location.